#1. Beta test teams are allowed to talk about it RIGHT NOW. I'm surprised (and rather disappointed) that more Beta teams aren't communicating.
http://forums.usfirst.org/forumdisplay.php?f=23
Scroll down to find the 2010 Section.
Our team inquired early on with FIRST regarding what we're allowed to discuss because of the NDA, and received an email stating that we could reveal info to other teams. Below is some of the text:
Section 0.4.2 says that section provides the written consent referred
to in the Disclosure Agreement
Code you or your team creates using the new software not only can be shared,
but must be – this is one of the stated required tasks of beta teams (Section
0.3 of Chapter 0)
Teams were expected to start monitoring and responding to questions as
they are able on the FIRST public forum by 9/28 (Section 0.4.3). So,
post away.
And yes, answer questions on function, and post screenshots.
#2 The Classmate is runnig XP with two accounts. In fact, the dashboard / driverstation software is NOT specific to the classmate and will function on any laptop with XP. We have downloaded the software and are testing it on an XP machine along with the new Labview code, and it is truly outstanding. It's approximately 90 megs in size, and installs in about 15 seconds.
Initially I questioned the use of the classmate, but with the added functionality and troubleshooting capability (real time video at the driver station anyone?), I'm actually convinced this is a positive change.
We will try to answer questions posted to the First Robotics Labview forums as we can - however our biggest limitation is time, so there is only so many things we can actually try out.
Nadav - thanks for posting this. I think the #2 responsibility of every Beta team is clear communication to the community, right behind making sure everything works the way it should =).